Operating Systems

So, you're ready to delve into what your Linux VPS will run?

The Linux server platform is used worldwide by enthusiasts, technically-savvy entrepreneurs and small to large (very, large) companies. It has, without doubt, become one of the most powerful operating systems for VPS. Furthermore, it is a cost-effective replacement to Windows Server (or even Desktop) with fantastic desktop editing, email clients et al.

The most remarkable feature of Linux is that the Linux Operating System is entirely open-source. Due to this, it can feature and integrate with other open-source programs; like PHP-based applications, Apache Web server and so on. Without going into too much detail this is all well and good but what do its users say? Well, the Linux control panel console is largely preferred for editing configurations etc - so it's free and it's the preferred toolset.

There are many, many Linux distributions (commonly known as "distros") for users or for use on a server. So, if you are looking to deploy the Linux VPS for your workload, you can opt Linux “distros” or “distributions”, which this category will help you with.

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    When managing security on Linux servers, understanding the intricacies of Security-Enhanced Linux (SELinux) across different distributions is crucial. In today’s spotlight, we delve deep into how SELinux is implemented and managed in three popular Linux distributions: AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, and Ubuntu. What is SELinux? Before we dive into the differences, let’s quickly recap what SELinux is. SELinux is a security architecture integrated into the Linux kernel using the Linux Security Modules (LSM) framework. Initially developed by the United States National Security Agency (NSA), SELinux adds mandatory access control (MAC) to further bolster the system's defense against unauthorized access.
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    Managing disk space effectively is crucial for system administrators, especially in environments where resources are shared among multiple users or groups. Disk quotas are a vital tool for ensuring that no single user can consume so much disk space that others are left with none. This article takes you step-by-step through configuring and managing disk quotas on a Linux system. Disk quotas are a feature of the Linux operating system that allow system administrators to allocate a maximum limit of disk space that a user or group can use. It’s a way to control the storage usage on a per-user or per-group basis, preventing any single entity from hogging the disk resources.
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    Secure Shell (SSH) is a protocol used by countless tech professionals worldwide to manage systems remotely, enabling them to execute commands, tweak settings, and handle files from any location. As fundamental as SSH is, securing SSH access is just as crucial. One of the most robust methods to secure SSH is through key-based authentication, an alternative to the traditional username and password combination. However, setting up SSH key authentication can vary slightly across different Linux distributions. Today, we'll delve into these variations, focusing primarily on popular distributions such as Ubuntu, Fedora, and CentOS.
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    Understanding System Default Users and Groups in Linux: Focus on nobody and www-data Linux operating systems are renowned for their robust user management capabilities, ensuring security and efficient resource allocation among multiple users. Among these, certain default system users and groups, such as nobody and www-data, play pivotal roles in system operations and security. Understanding the purposes and responsibilities of these entities can help you manage your system more effectively. When you install a Linux system, it creates several default users and groups that serve various operational requirements.
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    In the realm of web hosting, particularly on servers where multiple users coexist, security isn't just a recommendation—it's a necessity. This is where CloudLinux, especially its CageFS technology, comes into the spotlight. CageFS, or Cage File System, is a powerful and innovative solution designed to encapsulate each user in its own isolated environment, thereby dramatically increasing security and efficiency. In this article, we delve into how CageFS functions, why it's an indispensable tool for shared hosting providers, and how it leverages the flexibility and robustness of Linux bash scripting for seamless management.
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    Ensuring the security of Linux systems is paramount for administrators, especially regarding user authentication and password management. Password policies are essential tools in securing a system by enforcing strong and regularly updated passwords. Despite the variety of Linux distributions, setting a robust password policy can be universally applicable if approached correctly. This article will explore how to establish and manage effective password policies across popular Linux distros such as Ubuntu, CentOS, and Fedora. Before diving into the specifics of each distribution, it’s critical to understand the Pluggable Authentication Modules (PAM) framework, which is used by most Linux distributions for handling authentication tasks.
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    If you’re managing or operating on Linux systems, whether as a system administrator, a developer, or even as an enthusiast, understanding the management of users and groups is fundamental. The environment of Linux is naturally a multi-user platform, meaning various people and processes can operate simultaneously. Efficient management of these users and groups is crucial to securing the Linux environment and making sure that different users have the appropriate rights and permissions to perform their tasks. In Linux, each user has a unique user ID, and each user can belong to multiple groups.
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    The sudo command is a critical tool in the arsenal of nearly every Linux user. It stands for "superuser do" and allows a permitted user to execute a command with the security privileges of another user, typically the superuser or root. While sudo indeed functions similarly across many Linux distributions, there are nuances and default settings that can differ significantly, particularly between popular distros like Ubuntu and RHEL (Red Hat Enterprise Linux)-based systems, such as CentOS or Fedora. Here, we dive into how sudo works, focusing on its implementation and use in Ubuntu compared to RHEL-based distributions. Regardless of the distribution, the basic usage of sudo remains largely the same.
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    Understanding Default root Access Policies in Linux: A Look into RHEL-Based Distros and Ubuntu Navigating the default root access policies across different Linux distributions can sometimes be confusing, especially for those who are newer to Linux or managing multiple environments. In this blog post, we will explore the specific root access policies as they are configured in Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)-based distributions and Ubuntu, understanding the rationale behind these choices and their impact on security and system management. Before we delve deeper, let’s clarify what we mean by root access.
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    Linux, known for its robustness and flexibility, offers multiple ways to perform most tasks, including something as fundamental as user creation. This process can be done either through a graphical user interface (GUI) or a command-line interface (CLI), and each method has its own advantages and use cases. This blog post explores these two approaches during the installation of Linux systems, helping both new and experienced users understand the best practices and optimal situations for each method. User creation is a critical step during the installation of a Linux system. It sets up initial access for system administrators and possibly for other users.
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    Introduction: In the open-source world, the mantra of accessibility and ease of software management is often sung with a great gusto. Flatpak emerges as a shining knight in this realm, promising a form of software distribution that bridges the chasms between various Linux distributions. But, even the mightiest of solutions face trials, and Flatpak is no exception. Today, we dive deep into the world of Flatpak, specifically exploring the unique challenges that arise with its integration across different Linux distributions. What is Flatpak? For the uninitiated, Flatpak is a software utility for software deployment, application virtualization, and package management that aims to work on a variety of Linux distributions.
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    Linux, the ever-popular open-source operating system, is known for its robustness, security, and flexibility. One of its strengths is its package management systems which allow users to install, update, and remove software easily. However, managing packages can sometimes leave behind orphaned packages—installed packages that are no longer needed or that do not have any dependencies. These orphaned packages can consume unnecessary disk space and may cause maintenance overhead. In this blog, we will delve into various methods for identifying and removing orphaned packages across different Linux distributions.
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    In the diverse world of Linux distributions, each flavor offers its users a unique angle on what it means to interact with this powerhouse open-source operating system. Ubuntu, one of the most popular Linux distributions, has increasingly leaned towards Snap packages, integrating them by default in its recent releases. This approach is notably different from the minimal configuration route taken by many other distributions. In this blog post, we will explore Ubuntu's use of Snap preinstallation and how it compares with the minimal configurations found in other Linux environments like Debian, Arch Linux, or Fedora. Snap is a packaging and deployment system developed by Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu.
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    In the world of Linux, ensuring the security and integrity of the packages you install is crucial. This is where GPG (GNU Privacy Guard) keys come into play, serving as a cornerstone of security for package managers across various distributions. This blog post explores the essentials of GPG keys, how they work in the context of package installation, and provides step-by-step guidance to ensure you are using these tools effectively. GPG keys are a part of a cryptographic protocol known as public key cryptography. GPG itself is an implementation of the OpenPGP standard, which allows users to encrypt and sign data and communications.
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    Downgrading Packages in Linux: A Distro-Specific Guide In the Linux world, the flexibility to manage packages precisely how you want is one of the system's greatest strengths. While upgrading packages is a common practice to ensure software functionality and security, sometimes you may encounter situations where a newer version of a software introduces a bug, removes a needed feature, or simply does not work as expected with your configuration. In such cases, downgrading packages to a previous version can be as crucial as updates. This guide aims at providing step-by-step instructions on how to downgrade packages in some of the most popular Linux distributions.
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    Understanding Update Management in Linux: A Comparative Look at zypper update, apt upgrade, and dnf update When it comes to maintaining Linux systems, proper update management is key to ensuring that software remains secure, stable, and efficient. Different Linux distributions rely on specific package management systems, each with its unique set of commands to update software. Today, we're delving into the distinctions and functionalities of three major update commands used in different distributions: zypper update from openSUSE, apt upgrade from Debian/Ubuntu, and dnf update from Fedora/RHEL. zypper is the command-line interface of the Zypper package management tool used in openSUSE and SUSE Linux Enterprise systems.
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    For avid Linux enthusiasts and newcomers alike, choosing the right distribution is critical to achieving the best user experience tailored to individual needs and preferences. OpenSUSE, a powerhouse in the Linux world, offers two compelling versions of its OS: Tumbleweed and Leap. These versions cater to different users with unique approaches to stability, updates, and software management. In this blog post, we will delve into the key differences and benefits of OpenSUSE Tumbleweed and Leap to help you decide which distribution is right for you. OpenSUSE is a Linux-based project and distribution sponsored by SUSE Linux GmbH and other companies.
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    Linux distributions vary widely in their design, philosophy, and the packages they offer in their repositories. This diversity often leads to the question of software compatibility, particularly between major families of Linux distributions like those based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and Debian. For system administrators, developers, and end-users, navigating this ecosystem efficiently requires understanding the similarities and differences between these distribution families. In this article, we will explore software compatibility across RHEL-based distros and Debian, providing insights to help you manage or deploy software effectively across different Linux environments.
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    The Linux Bash (Bourne-Again SHell) is not just a powerful shell and scripting language; it's a gateway to managing your entire Linux environment, from simple file operations to configuring systems and installing software. As Linux users often seek wider functionality beyond the core distribution packages, third-party software sources become invaluable. However, these sources also introduce a spectrum of security implications that users must navigate diligently. This article dives into understanding these third-party sources, assessing risks, and adopting best practices to maintain a secure Linux environment.
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    Linux, known for its robustness and customizability, allows users the ultimate control over their system, down to the kernel itself. The kernel is the core of any Linux system, interfacing directly between hardware and software. For various reasons, from security features to hardware optimizations, users might decide to install a custom kernel. In this blog, we explore the differences in custom kernel installation processes across a few popular Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Fedora, and Arch Linux. Before diving into the how-to, let's first understand why one might consider installing a custom kernel: Performance Enhancements: Custom kernels can be optimised for specific hardware or applications, potentially improving performance.
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    When starting with Linux, one is likely to encounter various distributions (distros), each with its unique management style and flavor. This diversity is one of Linux’s strongest suits, allowing users to choose a distro that best suits their needs. However, it can also lead to confusion, especially when it comes to repository management. Each Linux distro has its own package management system, which can manage installing, updating, and removing software packages. This post aims to demystify these differences by providing a comparative overview of repository management commands across three popular Linux distributions: Ubuntu (Debian-based), Fedora (RedHat-based), and Arch Linux.
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    When you embark on the adventure of managing packages in Linux, you’re also unwittingly signing up for a trip through what seasoned administrators often refer to as “dependency hell.” Simply put, dependency issues occur when the software packages that are being installed require other packages, libraries, or versions that either aren’t present on the system, incompatible, or conflict with previously installed packages. Thankfully, each major Linux distribution comes equipped with a powerful package manager designed to handle these headaches: DNF for Fedora, APT for Debian-based systems, and Zypper for openSUSE.
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    For many years, Linux distributions have struggled with the standard software packaging and distribution problems. Traditionally, each distribution has had its package management system (like APT for Ubuntu and Zypper for OpenSUSE), leading to a fragmented landscape where software availability and compatibility vary significantly between distributions. However, recent efforts to harmonize this with universal packaging solutions like Snap and Flatpak are revolutionizing the Linux ecosystem. This blog post examines the differences, strengths, and weaknesses between Snap packages on Ubuntu and Flatpak on OpenSUSE. Snap is a package management system that was originally designed by Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu.
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    Introduction When it comes to managing applications on Linux distributions, the default application stores play a pivotal role. They are the frontlines for software installation, management, and removal. Two popular application stores that frequently confront each other in functionality and user preference are Ubuntu Software and KDE's Discover. This comparison will explore both Ubuntu Software and Discover, focusing on their integration in a Linux Bash environment, ease of use, features, and overall efficiency. Understanding Ubuntu Software and Discover Ubuntu Software Originally known as GNOME Software, Ubuntu Software is the default application store for Ubuntu distributions.
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    Managing software repositories is a critical task for system administrators, particularly in specialized environments like CloudLinux. The CloudLinux OS, renowned for its stability and security, is tailored for web hosting services, helping system administrators to maintain a secure and stable hosting environment. An efficient repository management strategy is central to leveraging the advanced features of CloudLinux, ensuring that packages and their dependencies are managed seamlessly. In this article, we'll explore some of the best practices, tools, and tips for repository management in the CloudLinux environment.
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